TCM Qualifications: What Credentials Identify Competent Practitioners?
As you probably know by now, the legal/ethical practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) involves more than merely inserting a few acupuncture needles. TCM qualifications for practitioners in the United States require three to four years of full-time post-graduate study at an accredited educational institution.
Just like your allopathic physician, a TCM practitioner must adhere to rules that ensure his or her licensing and training is up-to-date.
TCM Qualifications – at the Federal/National Level
When you are looking for a skilled practitioner of TCM, investigate in advance the quality of training and experience for the professional(s) you are considering. It may also be wise for you to look for someone who is skilled/credentialed in a range of TCM therapies rather than in only a single modality. You can find information about the credentials and licensing of complementary health practitioners on the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – National Institutes of Health (NCCIH) website.
As you initially consider the use of TCM, a certified practitioner is likely to be your safest choice. Recognized at the federal level by the U. S. Department of Education, the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) accredits schools that teach acupuncture and TCM. Only about one-third of the states that license acupuncture providers, though, actually require graduation from an ACAOM-accredited school. You can access their resources at the following website:
Another reliable source you might consult is the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), which offers separate certification programs in acupuncture, Chinese herbology and Oriental bodywork. NCCAOM also maintains a database of diplomates who are nationally certified practitioners at their website.
TCM Qualifications – at the State Level
Most states do license acupuncturists, but not all of them include other various components of TCM. All but a few states have regulations in place concerning the practice of acupuncture. Regulation at the state level usually includes licensing requirements for non-M.D. practitioners and specifications on scope of practice for M.D.s and other health professionals. Most of these states require national board certification as a prerequisite for state certification or licensure. Practitioners must complete at least three years full-time schooling before they can become eligible for the national board certification. Most states, though, allow conventional medical doctors and chiropractors to practice acupuncture with little or no additional formal training.
TCM qualifications and credentials required for complementary health practitioners can vary widely from state to state. There are also differences from discipline to discipline among integrative health providers. Even so, it is still a good idea to contact your state licensing boards and/or regulatory agencies. That way you can identify practitioners who have qualified for credentials in accord with standards for the jurisdiction. Just remember: not all care providers are created equal. It is in your best interest to investigate the training and credentials of a nontraditional practitioner well in advance of your first appointment.
Caution
While excellent professional credentials are important, it is essential, also, for you to select providers with whom you feel comfortable and able to communicate. How can you find the best TCM practitioner for your specific needs right now? Vitamin Insider explores some ways to locate the very best professional(s) for your specific needs in the topic: ______.